Aiki Institute Of Spokane

“A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.”
O’Sensei

“What makes someone credible?” or “Why do we trust someone?” These questions were asked by Albert Mehrabian in his book Silent Messages. The answer in his studies and confirmed by many studies after, 7% content, 38% voice, tone, and tempo, and 55% body language. “If we agree that from a somatic perspective, voice, tone, and tempo fall into the category of body , we can conclude that 93% of building trust and credibility is communicated through the body.” Richard Strozzi-Heckler, “The Leadership Dojo”

Is the study of Aikido a valuable leadership tool? Given the above statements I think it is easy to see the value in training as it relates to our abilities as a leader. In the leadership trainings I facilitate, the very learnings that are present on the Aikido mat are present in our exploration of leadership in the conference room.

Our posture, the way we move, says so much about how we see ourselves and how we see the world around us. Are we relaxed and centered as we move forward facing the challenges that lie ahead? This is the posture of a leader.

Entering into our challenges it is possible to lead our partner with clear, concise discussion (taisabaki), generating a graceful, satisfying solution(waza). As we enter into the dialogue of a challenge we must be upright, balanced, open-eyed, so that we may perceive the opportunities that present themselves, and be in a position that allows us to freely move into those openings so that we may secure the most appropriate solution. Our exchange must be honest, with conviction, flowing from the very essence, not clouded with ego, or stiffened with expectations. As we implement our successful solution we must follow through completely (zanshin), and hold ourselves with grattitude for the hard work that all have put forth in rising to the challenge and creating something new and wonderful, we bow to our partner.

Wouldn’t it be great if all of our leaders studied Aikido?

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